Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Sr. Social Worker

Sr. Social Worker

Forsyth County's Department of Behavioral Health Services is currently seeking to hire Sr. Social Workers in the Mobile Integrated Healthcare division to address the urgent and emergent behavioral health needs of the community. They have three key responsibilities: (1) establishing community support for individuals that rely on the 911 system to meet their behavioral health needs, (2) responding to overdose calls, and (3) addressing community-based behavioral health crises. This position performs professional level social work by providing intensive social work services in serious and complicated cases which require the flexible use of a wide range of social work skills. The Sr. Social Worker works collaboratively with a team comprised of Social Workers, Peer Support Specialists, and Paramedics or EMTs. A Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) social worker plays a vital role in connecting individuals with the resources they need to improve their health and well-being outside of traditional healthcare settings. They assess needs, provide counseling and support, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. MIH social workers often work in non-emergency situations, providing support for mental health, substance abuse, and other social determinants of health.

Distinguishing Features

Work involves the following for individuals with acute to severe medical and/or emotional disorders and mental illnesses and substance use disorders:

• Assessment and Evaluation:

Conducting comprehensive assessments of an individual's social, emotional, and environmental needs to identify barriers to accessing care and other resources.

• Case Management:

Providing ongoing case management support to help individuals navigate the healthcare system and access needed services.

• Counseling and Support:

Offering individual or group counseling and support to help individuals cope with challenges, manage stress, and improve their overall well-being.

• Resource Identification and Referral:

Identifying and referring individuals to relevant community resources, such as housing, food assistance, transportation, and mental health services.

• Collaboration and Communication:

Working collaboratively with other community partners including paramedics, healthcare professionals, and behavioral health/substance use partners, to ensure coordinated care.

• Advocacy:

Advocating for individuals' rights and needs within the healthcare and behavioral health systems and community. While health is a component, behavioral health is a major component as well.

• Documentation and Data Collection:

Maintaining accurate and timely records of interactions and outcomes, as well as collecting data for program evaluation and improvement.

• Community Outreach:

Engaging with community members to promote awareness of MIH services and build partnerships with other organizations.

In summary, MIH social workers bridge the gap between healthcare and social services, helping individuals access the support they need to improve their health and well-being in their homes and communities.

Minimum Education and Experience

Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; Valid North Carolina clinical license (must be fully licensed and capable of practicing independently) Valid driver's license required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Provides counseling to alleviate crises or improve behavior problems and mental health, and substance use.

Performs professional level social work by providing intensive social work services in serious and complicated cases that require the flexible use of a wide range of social work skills.

Performs investigations and in-depth assessments of needs.

Performs complex psychiatric assessment and independent selection and use of varied in-depth therapies in the treatment of individuals with various acute/severe mental, emotional disorders,/or substance use needs and related community liaison and education.

Respond on site to emergency calls and/or work with individuals post immediate crisis to build care proactive care plans and meet that address the holistic needs of individuals.

Maintain a driver's license in good standing, without a lapse or loss of a privilege to drive in compliance with North Carolina law, and in compliance with applicable DOT standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers if required to perform the duties assigned to the position

Maintain a valid North Carolina license in clinical social work.